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The politics of the state has heated up after the unprecedented uproar and scuffle at the state Congress headquarters in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The footwear controversy that followed a heated debate between supporters of senior Congress leader and former state president Ajay Rai and senior party woman leader and councilor Mamta Chaudhary has deeply affected the image of the party. After this whole incident gained momentum and the matter reached the party high command, now there is a softening in Ajay Rai’s stance. While presenting his views in the public forum and media discussions, the former state president has expressed deep sorrow over this unpleasant incident that took place within the organization and on his part, showing humility, said that if any of his words or behavior has hurt the honor of any worker or woman leader, then he apologizes with folded hands. His statement is being considered a big step towards calming the internal discord in the party.
This entire controversy started at the Lucknow State Congress Office (UPCC HQs) when the inauguration and welcome program of newly appointed State President Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’ and Working President Imran Masood was being organised. According to eyewitnesses, when former state president Ajay Rai reached the campus with his supporters, the workers accompanying him asked people to move to make way. Meanwhile, an altercation took place with women workers and local councilor Mamta Chaudhary. The argument quickly escalated and supporters of both sides started pushing and shoving. Within no time, sloganeering and scuffling started, due to which the atmosphere of the welcome ceremony turned into chaos. At the time of the incident, many senior leaders of the top leadership were also present on the campus, who immediately intervened and handled the situation.
After the controversy, Congress leader and three-time councilor Mamta Chaudhary came in front of the media and made serious allegations against the former president and his supporters. Mamta Chaudhary claimed that she was peacefully waiting for the program with her women workers, when derogatory words were used and indecency was used against her. He also alleged that some people within the party adopt a discriminatory attitude towards leaders coming from the Dalit class. After this aggressive stance of Mamta Chaudhary and the video went viral on social media, the Congress high command also took cognizance of the matter and formed an investigation committee. The opposition, especially the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, also took a dig at the Congress over the incident, terming it an internal disintegration of the party.
Amidst the increasing tension within the party and opposition attacks, Ajay Rai has taken the initiative to not give much importance to the matter and end the controversy. He clarified that he is a loyal soldier of Congress and deeply respects every worker in the organization, especially women leaders and the Dalit class. He said that sometimes misunderstandings arise between members of the same family, which are resolved by sitting together. Expressing regret with folded hands, he said that his intention was never to degrade or insult anyone. He has appealed to all the workers and supporters to maintain discipline and forget mutual differences and engage with full force in the preparations for the 2027 assembly elections.
Although the atmosphere seems to have calmed down to some extent after Ajay Rai’s statement and public apology, the Congress high command has adopted a strict stance on such indiscipline. The disciplinary committee constituted by the party is investigating this entire incident on the basis of CCTV footage and statements of eyewitnesses. Congress sources say that the central leadership has made it clear that any member who indulges in indecency in public forums or office premises will not be spared. Now it has to be seen how the state leadership and high command are able to completely control the ongoing factionalism within the organization after this incident.